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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCONSENT BOCC minutes SON c�G DRAFT 4S6f1NGc- MINUTE S Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting — March 2, 2026, 9:00 a.m. Jefferson County Courthouse—Commissioners' Chambers 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA (Hybrid) CALL TO ORDER: Chair Greg Brotherton, Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour, and Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nollette participated in the meeting. Chair Brotherton called the meeting to order at the appointed time and sang"Fiddler's Green"to the beat of a drum. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Chair Brotherton called for public comments, and five comments were received. The Commissioners addressed the comments. APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Chair Brotherton noted that on the Letters of Support for Mason PUD No. 1 (Consent Agenda Item No. 5), where it reads "Mason County" should be updated to read"Jefferson County,"and the Board concurred. Commissioner Eisenhour moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. 1. AGREEMENT re: School-to-Work digital content; $7,700; Public Health; Cold Pizza Creative 2. AGREEMENT re: Tree removal for site preparation; $38,250; Public Works; Olympic Resources 3. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 1 re: Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT)construction materials testing; $35,908.40; Public Works; Construction Inspection Services LLC 4. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 1 re: Upper Hoh Rd culvert replacements—Subrecipient agreement; Increase from $53,754 to $56,224; Public Works; Trout Unlimited 5. LETTER OF SUPPORT re: Mason PUD No. l's request for Congressional Directed Spending (CDS)for the Hood Canal Jorstad Substation Grid Resiliency Project 6. ADVISORY BOARD UPDATE re: Solid Waste Advisory Committee: 1) Resignation— District No. 2 seat: Don Rhoden; 2)Appointment-District No. 2 seat: Simon Walter-Hansen; and 3)Appointment—District No. 3 seat: Jim Friedman 7. ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS (2)re: Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee(MRC); Local Youth Representative: Odhran Waggoner; and 2)Local Youth Alternate: Isabell Ferland 8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes of February 17 and 23, 2026 9. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL WARRANTS: Dated February 20, 2026 and totaling $81,570.72 10. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WARRANTS: Dated February 23, 2026 and totaling $705,716.08 1 k• 1 1,411 /.11 . Commissioners Meeting Minutes of March 2, 2026 PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming the month of March 2026 as Red Cross Month: American Red Cross Community Volunteer Larry Bleich was present. After all three Commissioners read aloud the proclamation, Commissioner Dudley-Nollette moved to approve the Proclamation. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Volunteer Bleich outlined some of the activities that the Red Cross carries out all over the world. The Commissioners thanked Red Cross volunteers for the work that they do. PUBLIC HEALTH and EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT UPDATE: Public Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry reported there is high flu and RSV activity and low COVID-19 activity,while measles cases are rising rapidly nationwide. She also emphasized staying up to date on routine and age- based vaccines, and that the shingles vaccination may reduce dementia risk. She advised individuals to get a COVID booster based on personal risk. Emergency Management Director Willie Bence reported that March is expected to have near-normal weather but low snowpack levels are raising concerns about summer water supply and drought conditions. He noted this is tsunami preparedness month, which includes a 12:00 p.m. siren test. He stated that the Jefferson County Preparedness Day will be on June 27, 2026 at Finn River. Chair Brotherton reminded everyone that the public can send their Public Health questions to: ContactUs@KPTZ.org. PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming Saturday,March 8,2026 as Women's Day: Chair Brotherton presented the proclamation. After all three Commissioners read aloud the proclamation, Chair Brotherton moved to approve the proclamation. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the proclamation which carried by a unanimous vote. COMMISSIONERS' BRIEFING SESSION: Commissioner Dudley-Nollette discussed recent meetings she attended, and miscellaneous topics. The meeting was recessed at 10:54 a.m. and reconvened at 11:00 a.m. with all three Commissioners present. INTERVIEWS re: Community Center RFP Applicant—Interview#1: North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce (NHCCC)Executive Director Andrew Schwartz, President Dan Ventura, and Board member Robert Cash were present for the interview. The NHCCC team provided a presentation that covered how they plan to manage the Quilcene Community Center and the Brinnon Community Center. The presentation framed community centers as being crucial economic infrastructure for South County,which serves as public hubs where partners and residents already have melas delivered, health services, education, and activities. Their proposal focused on upgrading the operating system which would have predictable hours and backup coverage, clearer scheduling and partner agreements, transparent minutes/finances/metrics, and a stronger maintenance feedback loop to the County, while keeping existing programming largely intact. During the interview questions,the team emphasized close partnership with WSU Extension, saying disciplined scheduling and staffing systems would help integrate Extension programs across the centers. 2 DRAFTCommissioners Meeting Minutes of March 2, 2026 They described keeping the current calendars running,expanding open hours(potentially seven days/week with paid staff plus volunteers), avoiding closures when staff are out, and using empowered advisory boards to identify and fill gaps like financial literacy, workforce/trades exposure,technical literacy, and small-business support. They proposed that advisory boards would have real influence through training, bylaws, and transparent recommendations, but final fiduciary authority would remain with the Chamber board and County oversight. They would like to maintain baseline human services, while building agency and longer-term economic opportunity. The meeting was recessed at 11:58 a.m. and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. with all three Commissioners present. EXECUTIVE SESSION: An Executive Session was scheduled from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Chair Brotherton announced that the Executive Session will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. regarding Attorney-Client Privilege, Potential Litigation/Actual Litigation under exemption RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)as outlined in the Open Public Meetings Act. Staff present: County Administrator, Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (DPA), and Central Services Director. The Board concluded the Executive Session and resumed the regular meeting at 1:45 p.m. There was no proposed action, and therefore no public comment taken on this topic. ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION ITEMS: The Commissioners and County Administrator reviewed the following: • Commissioners' Briefing Session—Continued, and miscellaneous topics INTERVIEWS re: Community Center RFP Applicant—Interview#2: Olympic Community Action Program (OlyCAP)Director Holly Morgan and Quilcene Community Center Manager Richard Fitzgerald were present for the interview and presented their slides to the Board. The presentation outlined a request to continue managing the Tri-Area Community Center, Quilcene Community Center and Brinnon Community Center, with a focus on"community, not controversy." They framed the centers as crucial rural public assets that reduce isolation and provide access to support. OlyCAP emphasized that they are a federally designated Community Action Agency serving Jefferson County since 1966, with built-in oversight through regulated funding, state and federal monitoring, and quarterly impact reporting shared with the County and community. Current uses of the community center include: community meals, senior tax prep, wellness classes, clubs, civic meetings, and rentals. They proposed reliable staffing during business hours with some weekend coverage, clearer partner agreements, and a"no wrong door"approach so residents aren't told to drive elsewhere for help. OlyCAP staff proposed expanding centers by adding on-site housing/case management, energy assistance, weatherization, and benefits navigation,plus targeted program growth which would include the following: an after-school drop-in program(3-6 p.m.) in South County,expanded congregate meals into Brinnon and Quilcene using CDBG funding, senior enrichment, and stronger emergency readiness via CERT-trained staff. During the interview portion of the meeting, when asked, OlyCAP staff stated they could accommodate WSU Extension using Community Center facilities. They also explained that expansion is driven by 3 DRACommissioners Meeting Minutes of March 2, 2026 F T identified needs which include: behavioral health, housing, food insecurity,youth and seniors,plus added capacity from braided funding and a plan to shift managers from part-time to full-time. They stressed basic needs must be met before economic advancement. The meeting was recessed at 2:54 p.m. and reconvened at 2:57 p.m. with all three Commissioners present. DISCUSSION re: Bid Award for Community Center Management: The Commissioners deliberated on the two applicants for management of the Tri-Area, Quilcene and Brinnon Community Centers. Commissioners expressed appreciation for both applicants and discussed whether to split management by center, given each community's different characters and the Chamber's interest in only two centers. The Board noted that the North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce (NHCCC)and Olympic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP)could complement each other, with OlyCAP as a basic-needs/service hub with leverage of CDBG funds and existing partnerships, and NHCCC driving economic-development programming. OlyCAP clarified that it could not use CDBG-funded expansion into Brinnon/Quilcene without holding the management contract there, raising concern about losing leveraged resources. With uncertainty about County funding sustainability beyond the near term, the Commissioners favored a shorter contract to stay agile, and asked staff about the timeline to negotiate for an April 1, 2026 start date. After deliberations, Commissioner Eisenhour moved to authorize the County Administrator to negotiate a contract of 2 or 3 years with OlyCAP for management of all three community centers: Tri-Area, Quilcene, and Brinnon. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion. Chair Brotherton called for public comments, and 12 comments were received. After review of the comments received, Commissioner Dudley-Nollette stated that she would like to see the NHCCC manage the Brinnon Community Center. The Board discussed their options further. After review, Chair Brotherton called for a vote on the motion. Chair Brotherton and Commissioner Eisenhour voted in favor of the motion. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette voted against the motion. The motion carried. ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION ITEMS: The Commissioners and County Administrator reviewed the following: • Congressionally Directed Spending(CDS); review of projects to move forward ADDITIONAL BUSINESS re: Letter of Support for Congressionally Directed Spending(CDS); Hob Safe Homelands Roundabout Project: Chair Brotherton shared a draft letter of support as requested by the Hoh Tribe, to send to our three Congressional delegates. He then moved to approve signing the three letters in support of the Hoh Tribe for their Safe Homelands Roundabout Project. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion. Chair Brotherton called for public comments on the motion, and no comments were received. He called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. 4 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of March 2, 2026 DRA NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Chair Brotherton adjourned the at 4:30 P. meeting P until the next regular meeting or special meeting as properly noticed. JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SEAL: Greg Brotherton, Chair ATTEST: Heidi Eisenhour, Member Carolyn Gallaway, CMC Heather Dudley-Nollette, Member Clerk of the Board • 4r jrA DT DRAFT oN ooG ., ,., .,. V NO MINUTES Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting — March 9, 2026, 9:00 a.m. Jefferson County Courthouse—Commissioners' Chambers 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA (Hybrid) CALL TO ORDER: Chair Greg Brotherton and Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour participated in the meeting. Chair Brotherton called the meeting to order at the appointed time. Chair Brotherton played a tune on a mandolin. Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nollette attended training in the morning, and joined the meeting at 1:30 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Chair Brotherton called for public comments, and no comments were received. APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Eisenhour moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Chair Brotherton seconded the motion. The motion carried. 1. RESOLUTION NO. 11-0309-26R re: Amending Resolution No. 83-1215-25R: In the matter of establishing a Conservation Futures Fund Program application period, setting an estimated amount of Conservation Futures Fund available, and approving program materials for use in the 2026 Conservation Futures Fund Cycle 2. RESOLUTION NO. 12-0309-26R re: In the matter of initiating a County road project designated as Tarboo Creek Culverts Replacement Project 3. RESOLUTION NO. 13-0609-26R re: In the matter of authorizing the purchase of a 1999 International S2574 tandem axle truck for use at the Solid Waste Transfer Station 4. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING re: Therapeutic Court; $275,000; Jefferson County Superior Court; Jefferson County District Court 5. MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT re: Preceptor service to advanced students of medicine in need of practicum course work;No cost; Public Health; Frontier Nursing University, Inc 6. AWARD OF CONTRACT re: Pavement marking on Jefferson County Roads in calendar years 2026-2027; $201,775 for two years; Public Works; Specialized Pavement Marking LLC 7. AGREEMENT re: Legislative representation and lobbying services for 2026-2027; $18,300; County Administrator's Office; Acorn Consulting 8. AGREEMENT re: Olympic Coast Remotely Operated Vehicle(ROV); $10,398; Public Health; National Marine Sanctuary Foundation 9. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 1 re: Intellectual and Development Disabilities—Individual supported employment services; Decrease of$44,000; Public Health; Cascade Community Connections 1 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2026 �.. _k 10. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 1 re: Intellectual and Development Disabilities—Community Inclusion services; Increase $241,107.90 for a total of$454,463.70; Public Health; Cascade Community Connections 11. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 1 re: Intellectual and Development Disabilities—Group employment services; Increase $6,000 for a total of$77,803.90; Public Health; Cascade Community Connections 12. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 12 re: Consolidated Contracts; Additional $40,140 for a total of$6,179,078; Public Health; Washington State Department of Health 13. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL WARRANTS: Dated March 5, 2026 and totaling $2,412,633.13 PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Chair Brotherton called for public comments, and the two comments that were received were about the sound clarity of the meeting. After the sound issue was addressed, the Commissioners continued with their meeting. COMMISSIONERS' BRIEFING SESSION: Commissioner Eisenhour provided a legislative update and briefly reviewed recent meetings she attended. WORKSHOP re: Space planning options for relocating the Auditor's Annex staff upon termination of the Port of Port Townsend Lease: Central Services Director Shawn Frederick and Capital Projects Supervisor Matt Court were present to review the options for relocation of the Auditor's Office staff moving forward. They outlined the challenge of ending the Auditor's Annex lease by May 31,2026,which was a result of a budget-driven goal that was intended to reduce General Fund costs. Director Frederick presented five options, including relocating the Human Resources Department, Payroll and Accounts Payable, Finance, and elections processing. Each option carries tradeoffs in cost, construction time, privacy, workflow disruption, and staffing impacts. Staff present raised concerns about confidential workspaces, conference room needs, election processing requirements, underused courthouse space, storage taking up valuable offices, and the broader lack of a strategic countywide space policy. The Commissioners agreed to table the conversation for the following week, when there is a more deliberate long-term plan. BID OPENING re: Publication of County Legal Notices: Clerk of the Board Carolyn Gallaway stated that every year the Commissioners must designate an Official County Newspaper by their first Regular Meeting in April. She noted that a Call for Bids was published on January 12,2026, and two bids were received. She opened and read the bids aloud: BIDDER BID AMOUNT Peninsula Daily News Total print circulation: 2,749, additional electronic subscriptions 2,900 The Leader Total print circulation: 5,708, additional electronic subscriptions 204 Clerk Gallaway noted that there are other various components included in the bids, and she will prepare a comparison analysis for review at a later date. 2 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2026 1 WORKSHOP re: Financial Planning Status: Finance Director Judy Shepherd outlined a data-driven approach to preparing for the 2027 budget by analyzing recurring versus one-time revenues and expenditures, confirming that recurring and volatile revenues are currently sufficient to cover non-discretionary ongoing costs,though the County still faces a structural deficit that can only be reduced by increasing revenues or cutting ongoing spending. Director Shepherd described two main planning tools in development: a three-year living cash flow analysis that will be updated with actuals throughout the year, and a budget deficit and reserve management plan intended to guide deficit reduction,rebuild reserves, and establish clearer budget practices. She presented a timeline for meetings with core financial staff, General Fund departments, and other funds before returning to the Board with recommendations. Director Shepherd noted the need for improving communication and earlier collaboration to avoid the rushed, difficult process experienced the prior year. A major related issue was cost allocation, with discussion focusing on making overhead costs more transparent and equitable across departments and funds,rather than having the General Fund absorb those costs unevenly. Commissioners and staff agreed this work should help leaders enter the next budget cycle with better information and more time. Everyone acknowledged that rising unfunded state mandates, will likely make the coming budget season another difficult one. WORKSHOP re: Opportunity Zones 2.0: County Administrator Josh Peters and Economic Development Council (EDC) Team Jefferson Director David Ballif were present for discussion. Director Ballif briefed the commissioners on"Opportunity Zones 2.0,"the renewed federal tax-incentive program that encourages investors to direct capital gains into distressed communities in exchange for tax deferral,tax reduction, and potential elimination of taxes on new gains, with rural areas like Jefferson County receiving especially favorable terms. The presentation outlined that the updated program is more competitive than the 2017 version,with Washington designating only about 98 qualifying census tracts statewide, and that Jefferson County likely has three eligible tracts. Director Ballif recommended focusing on the Port Townsend tract and the Brinnon/West End tract because they appear most competitive and investment-ready. He emphasized that success will depend on quickly assembling strong nominations with identified investors, concrete projects, housing and community-benefit components,permits, site readiness, and letters of support from local governments and partners,potentially through a revived regional"Emerald Coast Opportunity Zone"collaboration with Clallam County and tribal partners. The Commissioners discussed possible qualifying projects such as housing, mixed-use development, resort expansion,maritime and waterfront redevelopment,public-private partnerships, and wildfire- resilience-related investments. Director Ballif closed with a public call for business plans,project ideas, investor interest letters, and other documentation to help Jefferson County submit compelling applications before the spring deadlines. COMMISSIONERS' BRIEFING SESSION-Continued: The Commissioners and County Administrator continued discussing recent meetings they attended, miscellaneous topics, and reviewed upcoming meetings. 3 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2026 ��- :�° �T The meeting was recessed at 11:59 a.m. and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. with all three Commissioners present. EXECUTIVE SESSION: An Executive Session was scheduled from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Chair Brotherton announced that the Executive Session will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. regarding Attorney-Client Privilege, Potential/Actual Litigation under exemption RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)as outlined in the Open Public Meetings Act. Staff present: County Administrator, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (DPA), Central Services Director and Human Resources Director. The Board resumed the regular meeting at 2:16 p.m. Chair Brotherton announced that the Board will be extending the Executive Session from 2:16 p.m. to 2:25 p.m. The Board concluded the Executive Session and resumed the regular meeting at 2:26 p.m. There was no proposed action, and therefore no public comment taken on this topic. ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION ITEMS: The Commissioners and County Administrator reviewed the following: • Commissioner Dudley-Nollette commented on her Washington Counties Risk Pool (WCRP) training HEARING re: Amendments to the Jefferson County Code regarding Critical Areas Ordinance(CAO): Department of Community Development(DCD) Director Jeremy Williammee, Development Code Administrator(DCA) Greg Ballard, and Principal Planner Mo-Chi Lindblad were present for the hearing. DCA Ballard reviewed the proposed updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), and answered questions posed by the Board. Staff explained that the ordinance appendices mostly make technical, non-substantive updates, clarifying code references, and documenting best available science and shoreline buffer cross-references. Staff addressed written testimony received from the Washington State Department of Ecology, noting that the revised version being presented remains consistent with the Planning Commission's recommendation because it did not change standards, process, or substance. After the presentation, Chair Brotherton opened the floor to allow for public testimony, and no testimony was received. Hearing no testimony,he closed the public hearing. After deliberations, Commissioner Eisenhour moved to adopt ORDINANCE NO.01-0309-26 re: Repealing and replacing Chapter 18.22 of the Jefferson County Code, known as the Critical Areas Ordinance, and amending Chapter 17.05 JCC (General Provisions for Port Ludlow Master Planned Resort), Chapter 18.10 (Definitions), Chapter 18.30 (Development Standards), Chapter 18.40 JCC (Permit Application and Review Procedures/SEPA Implementation), and Chapter 18.42 JCC (Personal Wireless Service Facilities). Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. CONTINUED WORKSHOP re: Space planning options for relocating the Auditor's Annex staff upon termination of the Port of Port Townsend Lease: The Board recapped the earlier discussion regarding the Auditor's Office Annex termination of lease with Commissioner Dudley- Nollette, and continued their conversation. County Administrator Josh Peters and Central Services Director Shawn Frederick were present to participate in discussion. 4 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2026 "lF T UPDATE re: Office of the Fire Marshal: Department of Community Development (DCD) Director Jeremy Williamee and Deputy Fire Marshal Brian Tracer were present for discussion. They presented an overview of the office's role, legal authority, staffing, and current operations. They explained that the Fire Marshal function sits within Department of Community Development because it connects closely with planning,building, and public safety, including land use,permitting, inspections, fire investigations,prevention, burn restrictions, and coordination with fire districts and other agencies. Some of DCD's duties are required under state law and the International Fire Code,while other elements, such as the County's burn ban framework, were developed locally to address Jefferson County's specific conditions. They also described current staffing as limited, with the Deputy Fire Marshal working at 0.8 FTE, with partial support from a clerk hire building and fire inspector. Staff reviewed 2025 activity which included: fire investigations, code compliance cases, and the continued rollout of the commercial inspection and short term rental inspection programs. The County has completed only a small portion of needed commercial inspections so far, with plans to shift toward a more proactive, risk based approach that prioritizes high occupancy and higher hazard properties, while also improving cost recovery where possible through inspection fees. There is similar challenges with Short Term Rental (STR)compliance, with only a fraction of operating rentals are currently permitted. EJFR Chief Bret Black joined the meeting and emphasized that inspections and plan review affect the County's WSRB rating and insurance costs, and he urged stronger integration of fire districts into prioritization decisions, which staff and the Board concurred. ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION ITEMS: The Commissioners and County Administrator reviewed the following: • Bayside Housing& Services request;potential BOCC Special Meeting to address this • ADDITIONAL BUSINESS: Letter of Support re: Washington State Ferries Mosquito Fleet Support: Commissioner Dudley-Nollette reviewed an email outlining the request. After discussion, Commissioner Dudley-Nollette moved to sign on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners to the Ferry Caucus comment to the Transportation Committee on Second Substitute HB 1923, as presented. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion. Chair Brotherton called for public comment on the motion, and one comment was received. He called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Chair Brotherton adjourned the meeting at 4:34 p.m. until the next regular meeting or special meeting as properly noticed. JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SEAL: Greg Brotherton, Chair ATTEST: Heidi Eisenhour, Member Carolyn Gallaway, CMC Heather Dudley-Nollette, Member Clerk of the Board 5